Before I Forget…

--The tragedy of the second millennium was that the Cross, starting with the Crusades, became an  emblem of the sword, and millions of Muslims, Jews, and others still think of it as such.  The challenge of this third millennium is to let it be what it was and what it still is in its origin--an  emblem of unconditional love."
--Ray Simpson, A Holy Island Prayer Book

--Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.  Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.  Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.  Avoid traveling by air, rail or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.  You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services at church, and these are usually related to previous physical  disorders.  Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church.  Bible study is safe, too.  The percent of deaths during Bible study is even less.  For safety's sake, attend church and read your Bible. 
--Brother Maurus Zoeller, O.S.B.

An ancient Chinese proverb teaches, "There is my truth, your truth, and the truth."  The Truth.  Where do we find the truth?  Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."  During the times we live in, times of war, times of violence, who do we turn to for our guides, the government or the gospel?  Easter, 2003, was only one week old and the great state of Minnesota passed the "Conceal and Carry" gun law.   Churches were packed on Good Friday as Christians observed the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.  Ten days later His followers want to carry guns in self-defense.  Doesn't this strike you as contra-gospel living?  Would the non-violent Jesus urge us to carry guns?  I am amazed that Minnesota, of all states, would pass such a law.  Now we have to post signs, and I will, that concealed guns are not allowed in our church or on our property.  The Christian Community has come a long way since the days when the government saw it as dangerous.  The early Christians had to worship in    secret in the catacombs (underground cemeteries).  Now we live in great cities, but how do we stay HUMAN and CHRISTIAN in these times?  Better question, how do we keep our soul alive? 
Americans in the United States have rights, you say.  I agree with you 100%.  But at what price?  It was only in the last few decades of the 20^th century that weapon and bomb detectors first appeared in airports, then courthouses, government buildings and EVEN SCHOOLS.  Next week, I am flying to the HOLY LAND--I mean Ireland.  I will have to go through detectors and have my person and luggage searched for weapons.  I am prepared to have this happen to me, but as a single person traveling alone I am always more of a "suspect". 
Are concealed weapons the answer to our security?  Will more handguns and automatic weapons make us better Christians, I come from a family of hunters and guns.  Guns might have a place in the 21^st century for   hunting.   But are guns the answer to violence?  The culture of violence has taught us that there are only two responses:  do nothing or fight back.  But the gospel of Jesus teaches a third way.  That is the way of creative non-violence.  This way demands sacrifice, commitment, creativity, struggle and ongoing reconciliation and     dialogue.  Instead of killing or hurting a mugger, can non-violence be a way of disarming the mugger.   Non-violence is all about love/ charity.  Jesus is very clear when he tells us to love our enemy---
As Christians who profess to be disciples of Christ and His way of living, we have our work cut out for us if we want to move from a culture of violence to a culture of non-violence. 
What are the ethics of the crucified Jesus?

Fr. Bill